Freedom Train North: Stories of the Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

Freedom Train North: Stories of the Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

by Julia Pferdehirt

Overview

People running from slavery made many hard journeys to find freedom—on steamboats and in carriages, across rivers and in hay-covered wagons. Some were shot at. Many were chased by slave catchers. Others hid in tunnels and secret rooms. But these troubles were worth it for the men, women, and children who eventually reached freedom. Freedom Train North tells the stories of fugitive slaves who found help in Wisconsin. Young readers (ages 7 to 12) will meet people like Joshua Glover, who was broken out of jail by a mob of freedom workers in Milwaukee, and Jacob Green, who escaped five times before he finally made it to freedom.

This compelling book also introduces stories of the strangers who hid fugitive slaves and helped them on their way, brave men and women who broke the law to do what was right. As both a historian and a storyteller, author Julia Pferdehirt shares these exciting and important stories of a dangerous time in Wisconsin’s past. Using manuscripts, letters, and artifacts from the period, as well as stories passed down from one generation to another, Pferdehirt takes us deep into our state’s past, challenging and inspiring us with accounts of courage and survival.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780870204746
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society
Publication date: 09/01/2011
Edition description: 2nd Edition
Pages: 136
Sales rank: 464,871
Product dimensions: 8.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range: 7 - 12 Years

About the Author

Julia Pferdehirt is an author, educator, and professional storyteller. A resident of Middleton, Wisconsin, Pferdehirt is also the author of They Came to Wisconsin, Caroline Quarlls and the Underground Railroad, and Blue Jenkins, all published for young audiences by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction: History, Legend, and Story 1

1 Freedom Dreams 9

2 Independence Day 15

3 Strong against Slavery 26

4 Jailbreak! 33

5 Secret Service 41

6 Overground, Underground 49

7 Sketches from the Road 59

8 Open the Window and Jump! 69

9 Open Hearts, Open Hands 77

10 Soldier Heroes of the Underground Railroad 85

11 Looking Down the Track 96

Glossary 100

To Learn More 109

Bibliography 114

Acknowledgments 120

Index 121

About the Author 126

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